'300: Rise of an Empire' starts off strong at box office with $3.3 million from early showings

Now that Thursday night showings are more common for Hollywood, they can help get a movie’s debut weekend off to a strong start. It is certainly helping out Warner Bros. and Legendary Pictures’ 300: Rise of an Empire.

The film started off its box office run with $3.3 million from Thursday night screenings, reports The Los Angeles Times.

Rise of an Empire, which is expected to do well in foreign markets, has also opened in France. It grossed $1.83 million, beating 300’s opening in 2007.

The original 300, directed by Zack Snyder and based on the acclaimed Frank Miller graphic novel, made $71 million when it opened. By the time it was finished, it made $456 million worldwide and was also a success overseas.

Rise of an Empire isn’t expected to make anywhere near that money during its first weekend. Analysts are predicting a $45 million opening for the film. Its only major competition is the animated film Mr. Peabody & Sherman - which is aimed at a very different audience - and Liam Neeson’s holdover Non-Stop.

According to Deadline, Rise of an Empire was shown at 3,470 screens Thursday night. It reportedly cost the studio $100 million to produce.